NOAA Fisheries National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy has been released and is available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/recreational/policy/index.html

This policy, as with other agency policies, serves as a big picture guide for NOAA Fisheries' actions and responsibilities under the law. It outlines our commitment to: 1) promote recreational fisheries through science-based conservation and management; 2)provide for sustainable saltwater recreational fisheries resources; and 3) support participation in recreational fishing today and for future generations. The policy includes 6 core principles which will guide Agency pursuit of the policy goals.

The policy is an important step in guiding NOAA Fisheries actions, but does not stand on its own. To that point, NOAA Fisheries is already hard at work developing a complementary new national recreational fishing implementation plan, which will outline the specific actions and activities we will take to further the policy.

Please take a few minutes to read the policy and stay tuned for our draft implementation plan, which you should see in early spring. These are just two of many steps NOAA Fisheries is taking to deliver quality science, service, and stewardship in support of recreational fisheries.